FEATURE PAPER

Attracting Retail Entrepreneurs to Rural Communities: The Role of the Institutional Environment

The following paper was written by Linda S. Niehm from Iowa State University, Nancy J. Miller from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Barbara J. Frazier from Western Michigan University, Leslie D. Stoel, from Ohio State University, and Sandra Kae Sattler Weber from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It was presented in the USASBE 2009 Conference.

Abstract

This exploratory study highlights the influence of the rural community environment on attracting and retaining retail entrepreneurs. Guided by institutional theory, qualitative interviews were conducted with rural retailers and community leaders in six states using a case/field study approach. Findings suggest that resilient rural communities foster an environment that supports and encourages change. Success factors important to attracting retail entrepreneurs to rural communities are identified, providing new insight for business consultants and economic development specialists. A series of hypotheses presented based on emergent themes in this study provide an agenda for ongoing academic research.

Executive Summary

Rural communities, residents, and businesses have had to cope with many changes including outflows of traditional residents, downsizing in agriculture and manufacturing, and changes in community demographics. These slowly evolving elements of change have created modifications to institutional structures and processes for rural communities. This exploratory study provides insight into factors that impact community resiliency. The analysis highlights the influence of the rural community environment on attracting and retaining retail entrepreneurs.
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TIP OF THE WEEK

Exhibit 6.2

Steps in Drawing a Systematic Random Sample

Step 1: Obtain a list of Potential Sampling Units That Contains an Acceptable Frame of the Target
Example: Current list of students (names, addresses, telephone numbers) enrolled at you university of college from the registrar’s office.

Steps 2: Determine the Total Number of Sampling Units Making Up the List of the Defined Target Population’s Elements and the Desired Sample Size.
Example: 30,000 current student names on the list. Desired sample size is 1,200 students for a confidence level of 95%, P value equal to 50%, and tolerance sampling error of + – 2.83 percentage points.

Step 3: Compute the Needed Skip Interval by Dividing the Number of Potential Sampling Units on the List by the Desired Sample Size.
Example: 30,000 current student names on the list, desired sample of 1,200 so the skip interval would be every 25th name.

Step 4: Using Random Number-Generation System, Randomly Determine a Starting Point to Sample the List of Names.
Example: Select: Random number for starting page of the multiple-page listing (e.g., 8th page).
Select: Random number for name position on that starting page (e.g, Carol V. Clark).

Step 5: With Carol V. Clark as the First Sample Unit, Apply the Skip Interval to Determine the Remaining Names That Should Be Included in the Sample of 1,200.
Example: Clark, Carol V. (Skip 25 names). Cobert, James W. (Ksip 25 names). Damon, Victoria J. (Ksip 25 names; repeat process until all 1,200 names are dawn).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SBANC Newsletter

The last newsletter of this year will be sent out next week December 8th. We will begin sending out the newsletter again in 2010, on January 19th. We wish you Happy Holidays and we look forward to moving into our new business building this January!

ICSB 2010: “Entrepreneurship: Bridging Global Boundaries”

The ICSB World Conference 2010 will be taking place June 24-27, 2010. It will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2010 and the Early Registration Deadline is April 30th, 2010. ICSB invites you to invite you to submit papers, case studies, workshop and/or symposia proposals that deal directly or indirectly with: * Entrepreneurship Education * Individual Entrepreneurship * Women and Minority Entrepreneurship * Small Business and SME’s in Developing Economies * Public Policy * Entrepreneurship and Technology * Family Business * Corporate Entrepreneurship * International Entrepreneurship * Entrepreneurship in the Arts * Entrepreneurship Across the Curriculum * Social Entrepreneurship * Additional topics of interest and value to ICSB’s membership.
For more informationClick Here.

International Conference of the American Institute of Higher Education 2010

We would like to cordially invite you to participate in the 4th International Conference of the American Institute of Higher Education to be held from March 17 through the 19 at the Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Please submit your manuscripts before JANUARY 15, 2010. For details about submissions and the review process, pleaseClick Here.

Midwest Entrepreneurs’ Forum: Networking Event

The Midwest Entrepreneurs’ Forum is taking place December 9th, 2009 Time: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Location: Union League Club – 2nd Floor Lounge 65 West Jackson Chicago, IL.
For more information and online registration, PleaseClick Here.

Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators (SEE)

Join us to enhance your ability to educate and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs from all disciplines – business, medical, engineering, and the liberal arts. Take back new teaching methods and content relevant to entrepreneurship education today. The symposium will take place May 31 – June 4, 2010 at Babson College. Learn more and register online at Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators. To visitClick Here.

Small Business Institute Journal: Volume IV

The Small Business Advancement National Center at the University of Central Arkansas is honored to be able to present to you the October Edition and Fourth Volume of the Small Business Institute Journal.
To download a copyClick Here.

SBI 34th Annual Conference:”Business Aloft”

The 34th SBI annual conference is taking place in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico beginning February 18, 2010 through February 20th, 2010. The focus is How to Rise to the Top in Difficult Times including lessons from Main Street, Wall Street & the Ivory Tower.For more informationClick Here.

Allied Academies

The Allied Academies will hold its Spring 2010 international meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Presentation dates will be Wednesday April 14 through Friday April 16, 2010. Conference Paper Submissions and Registration are due by March 5. Base registration, on or before March 5, is $300, late registration after that date will be $350. To provide you with maximum outlets for your research, the Allied Academies will hold joint meetings of all its member academies.For more informationClick Here

SBI Journal – Request for Papers And Reviewers

The Small Business Institute is now requesting papers and reviewers for the fifth volume of the Small Business Institute Journal. If you are interested in submitting a paper please visithttp://www.sbaer.uca.edu/sbij/about.phpto see the guidelines and submission procedure. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer or would like more information please email us atsbij@uca.edu.The fourth issue is to be published October 2009.

CONFERENCES

CALLS FOR PAPERS

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